“Officers were aware of an ongoing dispute between the accused and the tenant Mr Bates.

“When they saw the accused, they arrested him on suspicion of wilful fire-raising. The lighter and bag were removed from him at that time.”

The court heard police banged on the door of top floor flat F believing the occupants may have been inside.

However, firefighters from Johnstone Fire Station led by watch commander Paul Douglas, took over the incident and quickly extinguished the blaze which had damaged the front door and scorched the floor of the house.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard warped Cook targeted the property because of bad blood between him and the occupants (Image: John Linton/PA Wire)

“The burnt material from the door was examined and confirmed that was the accelerant used.

“CCTV was also found of the accused aboard a McGill’s bus showing him getting off and going into the Poundland, High Street, Johnstone, where he was seen purchasing a tin of lighter fluid and white spirit.”